Paper Hearts by Meg Wiviott

Back in February I was part of the Cybils Award panel for Poetry.  I have written about a few of the books but not all.  This week I was reminded of one of the finalists....Paper Hearts by Meg Wiviott.

Like many people this week I was intrigued by the story of the Auschwitz mug that had hidden jewelry under a false bottom.

Link to the story

I am always amazed to learn a different aspect of history.  When I read Paper Hearts, which is based on a true story, I learned how some victims fought to survive in concentration camps during World War II.  The young girls in the story tried to retain who they were by doing little things. Such as wearing a silky shirt under their uniforms or sharing their food with others.  Even if it meant punishment when caught.  The title refers to an origami heart that is made in secret as a birthday card for another girl.  It is this simple act which helped these courageous girls retain their dignity and personality. It is a very powerful story that resonates even today.  It is definitely a crossover YA to adult novel.
The "paper heart" is real and can be seen in the Montreal Holocaust Memorial Centre.  These are real items--- the heart and the mug.....real items that stand as a testament of people who suffered and serve as a reminder of the human spirit.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

I know today's book is not necessarily a new title but I just finished reading it and wanted to share my thoughts.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs is considered a Teen Novel.  I think it is much more than that.  I had heard about it but never read it.  Most recently learned that there is a sequel which I hope to read soon.  There is also a film being made with Tim Burton directing.  I stumbled across it in the library and at the last minute added it to my stack of books to check out.

I loved this book.  This is the kind of book I would have read and loved when I was a child/teenager.  The story starts out like any other teenage angst kind of story but quickly develops into the best kind fantasy story.  The kind that makes a reader feel that it could be true.  The characters are wonderful, I really loved the main character Jacob because he sounded like a typical teenage boy.

A long time ago I was part of a panel for the Children's Book Council called Not Just For Children Anymore.  As part of the panel we had to read a selection of children's books ~mostly young readers and Teen novels.  Once we were finished we then set out to decide whether or not "grown-ups" would enjoy them as well as children.  This book would have been on top of my list.  I really loved how Mr Riggs wove his story around an array of old photographs.  The photographs themselves are so interesting to look at that I  too would have wondered how they were made and if they were real.

I used to know someone who loved to take photographs.  He had rigged his own darkroom in a small bathroom in the house.  He also liked to experiment with his photos.  I remember one photo of what appeared to be  a young girl with a small person standing on her hand.  To create this illusion he said was all in the development. When I saw the photos in Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children I was reminded of the photos I saw when I was young.  Like I said I have always been fascinated by old photos.....they are glimpse into the past.  I wish this book had been around when I was young because it would have been one of my favorites.  I can't wait to read the sequel Hollow City.  These are must have books for anyone who loves a bit of fantasy tinged with spookiness....

Meet the Authors: Educator Night recap

When I started at Well Read in Hawthorne as their Part Time Event Coordinator we decided it would be a good idea to do an Educator Night.  It took some planning but we were able to get some great authors to come in and talk to some of our local educator's.  We also were lucky enough to get a representative from a local sales group to come and speak about new titles on their list.  All in all it was a great evening.  I learned so much. Here is a photo of our authors with their books.

From L to R: Alison Formento, Trinka Hakes Noble, Courtney Sheinmel, Ann E. Burg, Ann Malaspina

These are great books not just for the classroom but for children and parents to read together.  There is something for everyone.

Alison Formento known for her picture books like These Seas Count and These Bees Count! great stories that also inform children about the natural world around them. She also brought her new YA title Twigs the story of a young girl who may be small in stature but has huge problems that she must overcome.  Great coming of age story for the teen in your life.   

Trinka Hakes Noble who I have known for years and wrote one of my favorite story time books The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash brought along her new book and many others to talk about.  Her new book is The Legend of the Jersey Devil which is New Jersey's greatest and scariest legend.  I love how she told us that most kids don't realize NJ's Hockey team "The Devil's" is named for this spooky creature.  She also talked about her personal favorite because it is a story from her childhood called The Orange Shoes that deals with bullying.  

Courtney Sheinmel author of the Stella Batts series for ages 7 to 9.  These are such fun books that make great gifts and are even fun to read aloud.  I love the voice in these books.  

Ann E. Burg (my lovely sister) talked about how her new book Serafina's Promise (which I blogged about the other day)  and her first novel in verse All the Broken Pieces teach about other cultures in an easier manner.  She also talked about her book Rebekkah's Journey a little known story of WW II refugees in Oswego NY.    

Ann Malaspina brought her picture book biographies Heart on Fire the story of Susan B. Anthony and a women's right to vote plus Touch the Sky the wonderful story of the first African American woman to win a gold medal at the Olympics....loved learning about her.  

Like I said these great books are not just for teacher's to tell their students about but wonderful books that make great gifts for the child in your life. 

I really enjoyed this evening because I love talking about books and about how they can enrich the lives of not just children but everyone.   

Flashback Tuesday: The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

Yesterday the ALA Youth Media Awards were announced.   For that reason I thought I would recommend personal favorite that won the Newbery Award back in 1959.  I don't usually talk about young readers or even teen books but every once in awhile I like to change it up a bit.  

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare is a wonderful book that  brings back fond memories of long summer days and reading in the backyard.   The book cover I am showing is the exact book cover I had when I first read it.   The covers may have changed through the years but the story is timeless.   I was enthralled with the character of Kit and how she struggled to find her place in a new world that was so different from the world she grew up in. I loved the character of Mercy who even though she is disabled in body she was strong in mind and spirit.   Characters that are just as relevant today as they were when they were created.    This is the way I liked to learn history.  I always find it is easier to learn history through historical fiction.     Of course I also loved the fact that it was a bit of a love story but that is just the "girl" in me.   As I said so much of the story is applicable to our lives in the 21st century.  Even today people are suspicious of anyone who is different.  It takes a courageous person to stand up for truth and do what is right.   This is a classic and award winning book for a reason,  beautifully written and memorable.

Flashback Tuesday: Rules of the Road by Joan Bauer

Today a special teen edition of Flashback Tuesday!

Rules of the Road by Joan Bauer  was my introduction to this wonderful author.   This is the story of a teenage girl who ends up driving her elderly employer across country to stop a disastrous business merger.  I remember picking the book and thinking it was quite implausible.  I changed my mind as soon as I started reading it.   The characters and story drew me in immediately. This is a quirky story that manages to tug at the heartstrings without being too sappy.   I would recommend this title to a any teenager. It will give them a great perspective on life.   A great summer read.  

The Evil Garden by Edward Gorey

Today is my friend Lindsay's birthday.   I haven't seen her in awhile but we keep in touch through email.   When I saw today's book I thought of her immediately.   She has always loved Edward Gorey and anything macabre.  When we worked together she had the Edward Gorey alphabet poster on our wall in the back room.   She thought it was appropriate because she worked off the children's section and well "it was an alphabet poster"....

The Evil Garden by Edward Gorey has been reissued as a children's book, albeit a book meant for an older child ages 9-12.   At first I didn't think it was for children but realized that it is a sort of nursery rhyme that only Edward Gorey could write.   I think it is a great book for an older child...especially the child who likes all things morbid or gruesome.  It is actually a fun sort of story in a frightful way.   It is also a great gift for a grown up in your life who is like my friend....oh and it is also perfect for her because she is quite the gardener too!   Dare I say "enjoy'~

Flashback Tuesday: Stuck in Neutral by Terry Truman

This past weekend my sister Ann Burg participated in the Hudson Children's Book Festival in Hudson NY.   Last week while she was busily preparing for the festival she mentioned some of the authors who were going to be there.   I was quite impressed by the well known authors who were attending.   I was really excited to hear that Terry Truman was also attending.  I loved his book Stuck in Neutral when I first read it.   It was brought to my attention when I was a panelist for the  Children's Book Council 2001 edition of the Not Just For Children Anymore! catalog.   It had a profound effect on me.   This story of a boy who cannot communicate to the outside world but whose mind is sharp and full of astute observations is one of the most remarkable books I have ever read.   As I wrote for the catalog copy of the Not Just For Children Anymore! catalog it is "reminiscent of the adult book The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by Jean-Dominque Bauby.  It was also powerful to me because it made me think of my father who due to a stroke could no longer speak even though we knew he was aware of what was going on around him.  This book gave me a new perspective on what it must be liked to be trapped in your own body without a means to communicate.  It is considered a Young Adult book but I feel should and could be read by a younger student.   It is a great book to teach empathy and caring for people who are disabled.  

Flashback Tuesday: Love Among the Walnuts by Jean Ferris

It has been sold and dreary these past few days that I have been wanting to do is curl up on the couch and read a book.  Today is the kind of day where only a comfort book will do.


Love Among the Walnuts by Jean Ferris is truly a comfort book.   I loved this book from the moment I read the first line.   The characters are wonderful and refreshing.   This quirky little story of a son trying to save his parents  from his nefarious relatives is heartwarming and funny at the same time.   I love how this book reminds me of the old screwball comedies of the thirties.   I truly recommend this book to anyone who loves to read offbeat stories with a bit of mystery thrown in.   A warm book on a cold winter's day....what better way to spend an afternoon.

More Cookbooks!

Yesterday I wrote about a great new cookbook for kids.   I would also like to recommend some other new cookbooks just in case that one isn't enough and more recipes are needed.  




No Bake Gingerbread House For Kids by Lisa Anderson & Zac Williams.  Every year my nephews aunt gives them a Gingerbread making kit.   This book is nice because there is no kit needed and the ingredients are easy to get.   A perfect cookbook for this time of year.







The Do it Myself Kids' Cookbook: Nothing Hot, Nothing Sharp by Laurie Goldrich Wolf is for the youngest cooks in the house.   These recipes can be made by a child with no direct help from an adult.   I know lots of kids who will love this because they always want to do things themselves.







Boys Can Cook Too! Incredible Cookies by Kelly Lambrakis.  Normally I wouldn't suggest a book that is gender specific but I couldn't help myself with this one.   This is part of a series of books geared toward boys and cooking.   I was drawn to this one because the author has three boys just like my brother.   My brother's boys always liked to help in the kitchen.   I have a great photo of my nephew JoJo with his Grandma last year baking our bread for Christmas morning.   Even though it is technically for boys I am sure if there is a girl in the family they will like it too.




Teen Cuisine by Matthew Locriccio is one of the best books for young adults I have seen.   I know most teens could probably use a grownup cookbook but this is great to get them started.   I liked the set up and recipes plus the photographs are truly helpful.









Bean Appetit: Hip & Healthy Ways to Have Fun with Food by Shannon Payette Selp and Kelly Parthen.  I just loved the title of this book.   I also loved that it shows how eating healthy can be fun--as you know my other life involves veggie burgers (thesavorygarden.blogspot.com) and healthy eating.




These are just a few newer cookbooks for kids out in the marketplace.   These make great gifts for this time of year--Buon Appetito!

Happy Birthday Paul Zindel!

                            


I don't usually write about Young Adult or Teen novels but I couldn't let today pass without doing homage to the great Paul Zindel.   I remember reading The Pigman when I was younger and how it had such an effect on me.   It was one of the first times I realized that not all book have endings that are neat and tidy.  It was such a sad book.   It is a perennial on school reading lists which it should be.   It is a must read for any teenager or younger child to read.   It is a powerful way to explain how what we do and say can effect other people.   It taught me that words and actions can be harmful when we don't think of consequences.  I have always thought that The Pigman's Legacy was a book of redemption.   Wouldn't it be great if we could fix what had have broken....lessons learned are powerful.

Paul Zindel was great at really knowing his characters.   I remember watching his playThe Effects of Gamma Rays on Man in the Moon Marigolds when I was little.   My sister played the role of Tillie in her college production.  At the time I didn't understand it but as I grew older I realized that this too was a powerful commentary on how we should treat the people around us.  

I am aware that Mr Zindel's books get banned for language and such but let's face it that is only because he wrote characters who are real....they should not be overlooked.

Flashback Tuesday: A Girl of the Limberlost by Gene Stratton-Porter

A Girl of the Limberlost by Gene Stratton-Porter is not necessarily a kids book.   It is really considered a book for adults but I have found that it is great story for  ages 10 and up.   I read it when I was around 12 years old because my Mother said it was one of her favorites.   I am suggesting it today as a book that is perfect for Earth Day.  This is a book that was first published in 1909.   It is a great book because it talks about nature and conservation before Earth Day was ever conceived.   The book has mature themes so it is meant for an older child but the descriptions of nature and the Limberlost Swamp are wonderful.  The author Gene Stratton-Porter was not only an author but a wildlife photographer and amateur naturalist. She is someone all young conservationists should know about.   This book is a must read for any older child who is really into saving the planet.